Nepal

Nepal is known for its beautiful and dramatic scenery. Avid walkers and non-walkers alike are drawn to its mountains and foothills to view the Himalaya and the world’s highest peaks. Many also discover the beauty of the forests and the enjoyment of time spent as a self- contained expedition, far from the rush of the modern world and in the delightful company of the trek crew as they tend to our needs and ensure that we are comfortable and able to enjoy the trek to the fullest.

They are physically strong, sharp-witted and have an incredibly positive attitude towards a life that we would consider extremely tough. There is something about a trek in the Himalaya that draws you back time and time again.For keen walkers it is a paradise and even avowed non-walkers find that one foot just seems to follow the other, drawn by the appeal of what lies beyond.

Nepal’s population of around 20 million people is a blend of Hindu, Buddhism and animist religion. Nepal is a mosaic of cultures, ethnic groups and languages. It is remarkable that in a country of this size there are over 30 different ethnic groups, with at least as many languages. One million people live in the Kathmandu Valley, but at least ninety percent of the population lives in the rural areas of the lower and middle hills of the Himalayan Range. Nepal is predominantly a simple rural society and a trek in the foothills of the Himalaya is a strong cultural experience as we spend time with our crew and meet local village people.

Area: 147,181 Sq. Km

Capital: Kathmandu

Population: 27 million (approx)

People: Nepal has more than 101 ethnic groups and 92 spoken languages

Language: Nepali is the official language of Nepal.

Political-System: Federal Republic of Nepal.

Time: 5 hours 45 minutes ahead of GMT and 15 minutes ahead of Indian Standard Time

National Bird: Impean Pheasant (Danfe)

National Flower: Rhododendron- Arboreum (Lali Gurans)

Religion: Main religion in Nepal is Hinduism. However Buddhism, Islam and Christian religions are followed by some people. All religions even in minority have co-existed amicably in Nepal for ages.

Vegetation: Most outstanding bio-diversity in the world, ranging from sub-tropical Rain-forests to Alpine deserts

Weather: Climate ranges from Tropical in the lowlands to arctic higher altitudes

Monsoon: June to August. However, most of the northern belts of Trans-Himalayan Zones are in the rain-shadow which provides rain free trekking.

Topography: From the world’s deepest gorge ‘Kaligandaki to Mt. Everest, the highest point on earth.

Facts about Nepal:

• The highest mountain peak in the world (Everest-8848m).

• The deepest river gorge in the world (Kali Gandaki River).

• The birthplace of Lord Buddha (Lumbini).

• The non-rectangular flag.

• The best place in the world to study Tibetan Buddha.

• Kathmandu the capital city with as many idols as men and as many temples as houses.

• A hotel in Everest National park at an altitude of 3870m, claimed to be the highest hotel in the world (Hotel Everest View).

• Some exhilarating titles given to Nepal by various renowned travel writers in recognition of her cultural richness